The soldiers responded promptly, killing an unknown number of the terrorists, and wounding several others.

The battle raged for over two hours, and when the dust settled, several terrorists were found dead.

One of our sources said more than 15 of the Boko Haram fighters were killed in action.

Another said the figure was much higher, saying many other terrorists escaped from the scene with gunshot wounds.

Both sources however said four Nigerian soldiers were wounded in action, adding that authorities had since contacted the nearby 22 Brigade to send air ambulance to evacuate a critically injured soldier.

​An attempt by two suicide bombers to inflict significant damage on Kasuwa Shanu market in Maiduguri did not succeed as the attackers only succeeded in killing themselves, Saharareporters learned.

One of the suicide bombers blew up about 8:30 am on boxing day, Monday, December 26, while a second bomber was arrested before he could detonate a suicide vest wrapped around his body.

A livestock market

The attack came less than 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari declared a major victory against Boko Haram insurgents. On Christmas Day. The Nigerian President had announced the fall of the last enclave of Boko Haram militants in Sambisa forests to Nigerian troops in a widely circulated statement.